At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director-General with research, analysis, and executive assistance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Make UK Defence, a leading advocate for the UK defence manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, health cover, and a competitive salary with no weekend work.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to high-profile industry events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK defence sector while engaging with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with strong MS365 skills and experience in the defence sector.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Make UK Defence is the specialist defence division of Make UK, representing and supporting nearly 1,000 manufacturing and engineering companies across the UK defence supply chain. We work at the centre of UK defence manufacturing, strengthening sovereign capability, improving supply chain resilience and creating meaningful commercial opportunities for our members. Our work brings us into close contact with the Ministry of Defence, major defence primes, mid-tier suppliers, SMEs and innovative new entrants across the sector.
We are seeking a highly organised, analytical and proactive Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant to support our Director-General and leadership team in a fast-paced and high-profile environment. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK defence sector, combining strategic research and analysis with senior-level executive support. The successful candidate will play a central role in preparing briefings and reports, managing key stakeholder engagement and ensuring the Director-General is fully briefed and supported across a demanding programme of meetings, events and industry engagement.
The role offers significant exposure to senior figures across Government, the Ministry of Defence and the defence industry, including major prime contractors, SMEs, international partners and emerging defence suppliers. No two days are the same. This is an outward-facing, delivery-focused role requiring exceptional organisational skills, strong written communication and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders.
- Executive Support
- Manage a dynamic and fast-moving diary for the Director-General
- Review, respond to and action complex emails and correspondence
- Coordinate travel, accommodation and visit programmes, including last-minute changes
- Prepare briefing packs and supporting materials for key meetings, events and parliamentary engagements
- Maintain accurate records, filing systems and monthly board reporting information
- Process expenses and provide day-to-day administrative support
- Contribute actively to Make UK Defence's strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
- Research & Analysis
- Conduct detailed research and prepare high-quality reports, briefings and presentations
- Analyse defence companies, including overseas organisations seeking entry into the UK market
- Research international defence markets to support Make UK Defence's global engagement ambitions
- Produce analytical papers and slide decks to support stakeholder engagement and strategic discussions
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with member companies, defence primes, mid-tier suppliers and new market entrants to gather industry insight and intelligence
- Support engagement with MPs, Government departments and MOD officials through well-informed briefings and market analysis
- Maintain stakeholder mapping and key contact databases across industry and Government
- Coordinate engagement with embassies, high commissions and international trade associations
- Support the planning and delivery of industry roundtables, workshops, visits and defence events
About You
- Degree qualified
- Strong MS365 skills, including PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
- Experience within the defence sector, MOD or a defence-focused organisation
- Strong understanding of the UK defence supply chain
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven research, analytical and report-writing capability
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders across Government and industry
- Proactive, self-starting and confident taking initiative
- Willingness to travel regularly to meetings, events and Make UK offices
Desirable
- Experience working within a trade association, membership organisation or B2B environment
- Exposure to sponsored industry reports, events or Government engagement activity
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- A high-profile role at the centre of a dynamic and growing defence trade association
- Significant exposure to senior leaders across UK defence and Government
- A varied, fast-paced and rewarding working environment
- The opportunity to help shape and support the future of UK defence manufacturing
Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Defence Analyst & Executive Assistant to Director-General in Colchester employer: Uk Defence
Make UK Defence is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK defence sector. With a commitment to employee growth and a dynamic work culture, staff benefit from flexible hours, a competitive salary, and significant exposure to senior leaders in both government and industry. The role of Defence Analyst & Executive Assistant provides meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, ensuring that every day brings new challenges and opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Analyst & Executive Assistant to Director-General in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend events, engage on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its role in the defence industry. Understand their challenges and how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Defence Analyst and Executive Assistant, you’ll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to sharpen your verbal and written communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Analyst & Executive Assistant to Director-General in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Defence Analyst role. Highlight your relevant experience in the defence sector and showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Make UK Defence.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, take the time to craft a clear and concise application. Use professional language but let your personality shine through – we want to see who you are!
Be Organised:Demonstrate your organisational skills right from the start. Ensure your application is well-structured, free of errors, and submitted on time. A tidy application reflects the attention to detail we value at Make UK Defence.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows that you’re serious about joining our team at Make UK Defence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Uk Defence
✨Know Your Defence Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK defence supply chain and current industry trends. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent developments, and Make UK Defence's role in the sector. This will help you engage confidently with interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to manage a dynamic diary and coordinate various tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled multiple priorities or complex scheduling. Highlight your attention to detail and how you ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would engage with senior stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders. Think of specific instances where you've effectively communicated or built relationships in a professional setting. This will show that you're ready to step into the role and make an impact.
✨Practice Your Research and Reporting Skills
Since the role involves detailed research and report writing, be prepared to discuss your analytical skills. Bring along samples of reports or presentations you've created in the past. This will not only showcase your capabilities but also give the interviewers a tangible sense of your work style.
